CNC Applications Engineer

We are seeking an Applications Engineer to support the development, implementation, and production readiness of CNC metal-cutting machines and automation systems. This position will evaluate customer applications, develop project-specific machining solutions, support machine programming and customization, estimate project costs, and serve as a technical resource throughout the sales, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning process. The Applications Engineer will also provide customer training and ongoing technical support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate customer parts, drawings, specifications, production requirements, and technical needs to develop CNC machining and automation solutions.
• Conduct applications engineering for CNC metal-cutting machines through programming, process development, training, customization, and production support.
• Serve as the first user of newly developed machines and provide practical Voice of the Customer feedback to engineering and project teams.
• Develop machining processes that address customer requirements for quality, accuracy, cycle time, throughput, reliability, and safety.
• Review customer applications and confirm that proposed CNC machine tools, automation systems, and production processes are suitable for the intended use.
• Interpret part drawings, machine layouts, specifications, tolerances, and other technical documentation.
• Develop CNC programs, tooling strategies, workholding concepts, process sequences, and production procedures as required.
• Support machine prove-out, commissioning, runoff, acceptance testing, installation, and production launch.
• Identify and troubleshoot machining, programming, tooling, workholding, automation, mechanical, and process-related issues.
• Create and deliver operator, programmer, and maintenance training for customers.
• Visualize machine and automation layouts and present proposed solutions and revisions to customers and internal engineering teams.
• Prepare, review, and maintain engineering documentation, process documentation, training materials, and project records.
• Estimate project costs and provide technical guidance to the sales team during the proposal and quoting process.
• Evaluate new technologies, materials, safety improvements, and cost-saving opportunities for machine and process designs.
• Develop and maintain realistic schedules for machine commissioning, production readiness, customer support, and project completion.
• Provide direct technical support to customers during and after machine implementation.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding project requirements, technical concerns, progress, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding pricing, delivery schedules, component capabilities, and technical information.
• Communicate project risks, technical issues, and schedule concerns to engineering, sales, manufacturing, purchasing, project management, and company leadership.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, manufacturing, project management, vendors, and outside technical partners to fulfill customer requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other engineers, programmers, machinists, and technical personnel.
• Assist with the development and continuous improvement of internal engineering, project, and applications processes.
• Travel domestically and internationally to install, troubleshoot, commission, prove out, and operate CNC machines and automation systems.
• Support occasional multi-week customer installations and machine-production schedules.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 3+ years of progressively responsible engineering or applications experience in CNC machining, machine tools, manufacturing, automation, or a related field.
• Experience with CNC metal-cutting machines, machining processes, production equipment, or industrial automation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, part prints, machine layouts, technical specifications, and tolerance requirements.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, machining principles, machine tool capabilities, tolerancing, and production readiness.
• Experience developing or supporting CNC programs, tooling strategies, workholding, process plans, or machine prove-outs.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission, lubrication systems, fabricated components, and industrial machine systems.
• Ability to perform sophisticated technical analysis across multiple mechanical engineering disciplines.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills involving machining, programming, tooling, automation, mechanical systems, and production processes.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to customers, operators, engineers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong written communication, organization, project-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and transition between priorities with minimal reorientation.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to meet project schedules and budgets without sacrificing safety, quality, or customer satisfaction.
• Willingness and ability to work full-time onsite in the Albany, New York area.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately one week per month.
• Ability to support two to four extended, multi-week trips annually.
• Valid passport or ability to obtain one for international travel.